This post is pure gold, friends! Today I’m breaking down my absolute favorite tools to use as an online business manager. As a service provider, I pride myself on staying organized and on track for each and every client. To do so, I have an arsenal of awesome biz tools at my disposal. These tools have changed the way I run my business! No lie.

Okay guys – let’s jump right into it!

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Trello: Project Management and Organization

Trello has my heart. It’s probably my very favorite business tool. It’s PERFECT for project management and keeping myself organized. With so many projects happening at once this tool is a total lifesaver, you guys. The idea behind Trello is to collaborate, manage projects, and increase your productivity. And, it’s super customizable. Win! I really love the fact that everything related to each project is all in one single place. So, I can easily keep track of every to-do item throughout the life of the project.

Some of the coolest features are:

• Project boards
• Lists and cards
• Timeline and table views
• Calendar
• No-code automation
• Tool integration

Seriously, I don’t know what I would do without Trello. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out. And I bet that once you do, you won’t look back.

HoneyBook: Client Relationship Management

HoneyBook is a game changer when it comes to client relationship management. This software includes everything that you’d need to run your business when it comes to clients. Honestly. It offers a ton of amazing features, and I love that there are so many customizable options. From your logo to your brand colors, you can make sure that the design is totally on point. It’s important to be able to incorporate your brand in the materials that you send to clients, and with HoneyBook you’re able to do just that.

Through HoneyBook, I can have projects for each of my clients so everything stays super organized. Within each project, I can send contracts, invoices, proposals, you name it! If you need it, HoneyBook has it. It also offers a call scheduler and you can use HoneyBook forms directly on your website for inquiries. Talk about simple! I am obsessed. And I think that you will be too if you decide to give HoneyBook a try.

Canva: Graphics

Okay, I know you guys must’ve heard of Canva before. It is an awesome program for creating graphics. Canva includes a ton of templates for all different types of graphics. It’s my go-to site for social media graphics, but it also allows you to create print graphics, newsletters, business cards, and so much more. And, it’s SO easy! If you struggle with design, definitely use the templates. They’re a total lifesaver. Plus, there’s a free version and a paid version so you’ve got options! The paid version does offer more features that are specific to your brand, which does have its benefits. For example, you can upload your own brand fonts to make sure that everything stays consistent. Love that!

Something else to note about Canva – you can download it directly to your computer. Just pick the operating system you use and you’re good to go. So, you won’t have to open up your web browser every time you need a graphic.

Voxer: Client Communication

Okay guys, Voxer is super cool. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s a voice communication tool. If you run a service-based business, Voxer is a great option for communicating with your clients or members of your team! The program is designed to help people who work remotely keep in touch, and I use it constantly. The ability to have real-time communication is so valuable, and is a great way to build a connection even without working together in person. Voxer is push-to-talk so it’s like having a walkie talkie in your pocket! I highly recommend that you try it out if you’re looking to up your communication game.

Zoom: Client Meetings and Recordings

Ah, Zoom. 2020 seems to have been the year of the Zoom meeting. So, I think that a lot of you might be familiar with the program already. But, in case you’re not, I’ll give you a quick overview. I like to use Zoom for all of my client meetings. Having a face-to-face interaction during a meeting is much better than speaking on the phone. I think you can get so much more out of the conversation if you’re both on video. Zoom also allows you to record your meetings – if you haven’t tried recording things I urge you to start. It’s a foolproof way to keep track of everything you discussed. And, BONUS, with recorded meetings you don’t have to worry about taking notes while you’re talking. That way, you can be 100% present in the conversation, and can go back and jot things down on your own time.

Loom: Video Recording

I’ll just come out and say it – I love Loom. It’s an asset for any entrepreneur. Loom allows you to record videos that show both your camera view AND your screen at the same time. It comes in handy when making videos for either project team members or clients, and makes communication a breeze. Having the ability to record a video of yourself talking while showing what you mean with the screen share feature is super useful. I really can’t say enough good things about it! Even better, Loom allows you to record up to 25 videos with their free plan! That way, you can try it out and make sure that you’ll get the use out of it should you choose to upgrade to a paid plan.

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There you have it! My favorite business tools for online business managers. I’m telling you, if you try these tools out you’ll never look back. They’ve made such a huge difference in my own business, and I hope they do the same for you!

If you’re interested in learning more about being an OBM, check out my other blog posts here. Until next time, friends!